R Big 4 (2024)

FAQs

Which Big 4 is most prestigious? ›

In general, PwC and Deloitte are considered the most prestigious of the Big 4. If you ask most people about prestige, they'll probably rank PwC/Deloitte > EY > KPMG. This is reflected in pricing, for example.

Because of their reputation and reach across several industries, the Big Four are known to employ thousands of graduates every year. Despite this, competition for places in any of the firms is fierce and gruelling. Consequently, landing a job with one of the Big Four firms is sometimes viewed as a difficult task.

Big 4 experience can get your foot in the door some places more easily than a good resume that doesn't include it. I don't think it's worth it, especially if you found a place you think is right for you. Yes, it really does matter and help. Mid size firms don't have nearly the amount of public clients.

Very hard indeed. A recent article in The Time exploring the Big Four (and KPMG, especially) revealed that PwC had an acceptance rate in 2022 of approximately 2.5%, based on the 304,000 applications it received to its 7,500 roles (including 2,000 entry level ones).

The most prestigious firms are McKinsey, Bain, and BCG. Next most prestigious are "Tier 2" firms such as Kearney, Accenture, and LEK. This tier also includes the strategy consulting arms of the Big 4 firms, including Deloitte Monitor, EY Parthenon, and PwC's Strategy&.

I've seen staff fired several reasons - working for another firm while still employed by PwC, using corporate card to pay for $30k of personal expenses, never doing the work that was assigned to them.

It is not about working long hours per day. It is about the work culture that can drive people insane and affect mental health. Managers get pressure from their managers and they simply pass on that pressure to their reportees.

We would, however, say that the minimum GPA required is 3.0. But if you find that yours is a bit lower than that, just work on your GPA for grad school, gain work experience, or take on leadership roles during your academic career. These are called compensating factors.

To the employers, candidates having Big 4 experience on their CV means: They are the crème de la crème – It is an impression that only the best of the graduates would be able to get through the three-stage interviews and land on a job in the Big 4.

Is working at KPMG prestigious? ›

KPMG has long been recognized as a premier learning organization, winning multiple awards for innovative programs, including being a proud member of the Training magazine Top 10 Hall of Fame. Our commitment to your career development helps to set us apart as an employer.

KPMG Work Culture

Though the smallest of the Big 4 firms, KPMG is known to have the best work-life balance amongst its employees. The company places an emphasis on employee engagement and has the lowest churn rate of the Big 4. KPMG is somewhere between the more agile Deloitte and the old-school style of PwC.

Part of the prestigious Big 4, KPMG offers the ability to drive your own career. Development opportunities include strong training, the ability to move locations and change roles, and the ability to switch practice areas.

The interview process at the Big Four accounting firms (Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG) can be challenging and rigorous. These firms have high standards for hiring and seek candidates with strong academic backgrounds, relevant work experience, and excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills.

Deloitte. The largest of the Big 4, Deloitte, earned $59.3 billion in revenue in 2022.

Work-Life Balance Improvement Strategies

For example, PwC offers its employees flexibility in structuring their schedules, taking time off when needed, and working reduced hours or remotely at times. The firm also focuses on initiatives around physical and mental wellbeing.